The wife of Chinese politician Bo Xilai has agreed to be defended by government-appointed lawyers after being accused of murdering British businessman Neil Heywood.

Gu Kailai, 53, known as the Jackie Kennedy of China, and an aide were charged last week with poisoning Neil Heywood, 41, in November.

Ms Gu’s decision to accept two government lawyers rather than use her own private attorneys suggests there are behind-the-scenes negotiations taking place between her and the Chinese Politburo, said one expert.

Victim and suspect: Chinese prosecutors are charging Gu Kailai (right), the wife of a top Communist Party official, with the murder of British businessman Paul Heywood (left)

The state-run news agency Xinhua said Mrs Gu and a family aide, Zhang Xiaojun, were both charged with poisoning Mr Heywood.

The charge marks a dramatic fall from grace for Mrs Gu, the daughter of a Mao-era revolutionary hero.